Paper fastener



Aug. l, 1939. c, WAGNER 2,167,920

PAPER FAS TENER Filed NOV. l2, 1938 2 Sheets-Shea?l l rit Aug. 1, 1939. c. l. WAGNER 2,167,920

PAPER FASTENER v Filed Nv. 12, 1958 2 sheets-sheet 2` Patented Aug. 1, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PAPER FASTENER Chester I. Wagner, Brooklyn,

N. Y., assignor to Application November 12, 1938, Serial No. 240,032

20 Claims.

This invention relates to a paper fastener and has special reference to a device for fastening papers such as letters, pamphlets, newspapers, magazines and similar articles in book form for filing or the like.

More particularly, this invention relates to a paper fastener comprising a base having a prong for each end thereof with each of the prongs comprising a wire looped back upon itself in a spaced relation, the looped end of each of said prongs being adapted to be inserted through apertures in the paper to be fastened. Means are provided for securing the open ends of the prongs to the base with other means on the base for maintaining the spaced relation of the wire 4of each of said prongs.

It is also contemplated by the present invention to provide a compressor for co-operation with the base, the looped end of each of the prongs being adapted to be bent inwardly toward each other over the compressor, the compressor having means preferably comprising spaced notches at the ends thereof for co-operating with the above-mentioned means of the base for maintaining the spaced relation of the wire of each of the prongs.

Heretofore, so far as applicant is aware, the prongs of the usual paper fastener of the type above described have been formed integrally or detachably with a sheet metal base, the prongs being likewise of sheet metal. Both the base and the prongs therefor have been stamped of sheet metal and burred'edges are inescapable in the operation on flat metal where, as in the present instance, cost of manufacture is to be held to a minimum. Correspondents and file clerks in the instance of handling these sheet metal prongs and bases have had to risk acquiring cut, scratched or unsightly fingers from the usual burred edges thereof and danger of infection and serious disablement has been an ever present peril.

The present application contemplates the use of a prong for each end of the base, the prong comprising a wire looped back upon itself in a spaced relation. Such a construction with its smooth edges apparently is the only practical elimination of burred prongs and contributes Va safety facto-r in the use of paper fasteners.

Another danger ever present when flat metal prongs are used with the resultant burred edges, is injury sustained when sliding a lock on or off one prong by snagging or jagging the fingers by contact with the often raised point of the adjacent prong. The looped comparatively blunt Wire end absolutely eliminates this hazard while serving in the same capacity as the pointed sheet metal prong to facilitate the insertion of the prong into the apertures of the papers.

'Ihe use of a prong for each end of the base with the prong being detachably secured to the base in an extremely simple manner permits prongs to be quickly changed so that prongs of one, two or more inch capacity are interchangeable when and if more than a minimum amount of bulk has accumulated in any one file. The practice of buying complete fasteners with attached prongs is, of course, generally wasteful and inconvenient and the use of detachable prongs with a simple and convenient method of attaching the prongs to the base affords a maximum of economy. The purchaser may stock a substantial number of bases, compressors and prongs ,with the proportional number of shorter prongs being greater than the number of longer prongs, whereafter it will be more convenient to file the papers to be fastened on the shorter prongs until actual growth of some of the les may demand greater capacity when the prongs of more substantial length may be substituted, the bases and compressors being retained.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a paper fastener of the type indicated above which will afford a maximum of safety in the use thereof thus eliminating danger of infection and serious disablement.

Another object of this invention is to provide a paper fastener of the type indicated above having a wire looped back upon itself to provide a threading point which is comparatively blunt and will not cut or scratch the fingers when the usual lock is employed to clamp the prong against the compressor.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a paper fastener of the character hereinabove noted in which each prong is easily and conveniently snapped on or detached from the base for purposes of interchangeability of prongs and convenience of use.

Other objects and advantages will hereinafter be more particularly pointed out and for a more complete understanding of the characteristic features of this invention, reference may now be had to the following description when read together with the accompanying drawings, in which latter:

Figure 1 is a plan elevational view of a paper fastener incorporating the features of this invention, the paper fastener being shown in use Cil in fastening papers which latter are shown fragmentarily;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective View of the fastener assembly prior to the locking of the prongs in position over the compressor;

Fig. 4 is a plan elevational view of a fragmental portion of a base disclosing in detail the manner in which the prong shown partially in section is fastened to the base;

Fig. 5 is a sectional View taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4 showing a modied form of prong construction;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 3 showing a modified form of compressor; and

Fig. 8 is a View similar to Fig. '7 showing a still further modied form of compressor.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, thereof, the paper fastener shown therein incorporating the features of this invention comprises a base I0 having prongs II and I2 secured thereto, one for each end of the base, and a compressor I3 for co-operation with the prongs and the base.

rIhe base I0 is elongated and is preferably formed of thin sheet metal. Longitudinally extending embossments VI3 and I4 are formed intermediate the width of the base `adjacent each end thereof, the side walls of the embossment preferably being continuous and communicating Ywith each other as shown more particularly in Fig. v. The material of the base I0 intermediate the embossments I3 Vand I4 may preferably be embossed at I5 for purposes of strength and, although not necessary, may be desirable. Each of the embossed portions I3 and I4 of the base I-El is provided with an ear I6 and I'I, respectively, the ears being vbent to form laterally `extending pockets I8 land I9. The ears Vare preferably out and deformed from the material of the base I0 within the embossed portions and oneiend of each of the embossed portions I3 and I4 has an opening Z and 2| respectively,

Each of the prongs II and -I2 are formed of `a wire looped back upon itself in aspaced relation to .provide a looped end 22 and 23. The `wire may be of any usual size and type and is 'preferably of round 'cross section. The open end of the prong is secured to the base `While the looped end extends therefrom and is `adapted to be inserted through apertures inthe paper or articles to be fastened.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 4 of the drawings, the open end of the prong islshown in one specific manner of being attached `to the base, portions 24 adjacent the ends of the-'looped wire being bent inwardly in a direction toward each other into the Vlater-ally extending pocket -I9 of the rear II. The width -of the ear I'I is substantially less than the inside `width of ftherembossment I4, whereby the edges of-the ear-occupy a spaced relation with respect to the side walls of the embossment. The spaced vrelation above noted is sufficient to readily receive the thickness of the'wire of the prong and ythe side walls of the embossment serve to hold the bent portions 24 of vthe prong against displacement from A'the pocket I9.

In order toassemble the prongs on the base, the

open end of the prong is insertedthrough theopening 2I whereafter the spaced portions thereof together with the benif'portions V24' thereon are sprung apart soas -to be received in-the pocket I9 Yspaced notches 25 and 26 as the ear I 1 occupies a position extending ont of the embossment as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3. After the portions 24 are inserted in the pocket I9, the ear II is bent down into the position within the embossment I4 as shown in full lines in the drawings, It may be desirable to form the tip ends I2a of the prong in a direction inwardly toward each other within the embossment although this may be done if and as desired.

The end edges of the base I are provided with and after the prongs II and I2 are secured in position with respect to the base the prongs are bent at substantially right angles to the base into the notches so that the prongs are maintained in a spaced relation.

The compressor I3 is formed preferably of an elongated strip of sheet metal having longitudinally extending guides along each side edge in the form preferably of a channel produced by forming flanges 21 and 28 from the material of the strip inwardly in a direction toward each other and in a spaced relation with the main body portion of the strip. A pair of latching members 29 and 30 slidably engage the channels formed by the bent over flanges 21 and 28, each of the latching mem-bers comprising a raised portion having laterally extending corrugations with side flanges 29a and 30a, respectively, received in the channels. The end edges of the flanges 21 and 28 are depressed as at'Z'Ia and 28a, respectively, into engagement with the main body portion so as to prevent the latching members 29 and 30 from displacement from the channels.

The compressor lis provided with U-shaped openings 3| and 32 adjacent each end thereof for receiving lthe looped ends of the prongs 22 and 23, respectively. The legs 3Ia and 3Ib, and 32a and 32h of the U-shaped openings 3| and 32. respectively, form spaced notches for co-operation with the notches 25 and 26 of the base to maintain the spaced relation of the wire of each of the prongs I I and I2 when the prongs are bent over in a direction towardeach other against the compressor I3. .In order to maintain the relation of the bent over ends of the prongs to the compressor, vthe vslides 29 and 30 are moved over the prongs, the latter being lpreferably provided with raised portions 33 for engaging the corrugations of the latching members-to provide an interlocking resilient engagement therebetween.

.Referring now more particularly to Fig. 6 of the drawings, a modified form of prong is shown for association with the base described above. Theprong I2a comprising a wirelooped back upon itself in aspaced relation, instead of having bent por-tions `near lits vend formed back upon themselves'as in Fig. 4, has the bent over portions V,24a crossing each other within the pocket .I'Sa of the ear IIa. rIfhe open end of the wire is inserted through the opening 2-I at the end of the embossed portion I4 to a position such that the crossed portions `24a are forward of the ear IIa which latter is in a raised position. The crossed portions '24a are then moved in a direction toward the opening l2-I below the ear and into the pocket I9aafter which the ear I'Ia is bent back into its lowered position within the embossment.

Referring now `more particularly to Fig. 'I of the drawings, a modified form of compressor .34 isvshown in which the latching means for holding the ends of the prongs II and I2 against the compressor have been modified. The compressor is formed of aneelongated strip of sheet metal and-is reinforced by the provision of longitudinally extending embossments 35 and 3B adjacent the side edges thereof substantially over the full length thereof. Instead of the usual guide members forming a channel for receiving slidable latching members therein, flanges 3l and 38 are cut and deformed from the material of the compressor on opposed sides and adjacent opposed ends, each of the iian'ges extending preferably less than midway of the compressor.

The anges 31 and 38 are elevated from the main body portion a sufficient distance to permit the reception of one side of the prong, and lips 39 and 4B are provided, respectively, on the flanges 3l and 38 for preventing accidental displacement of the prongs from beneath the flanges. Each of the lips is curved downwardly to extend below the level of the flange and is preferably resilient to pro-vide an interlocking resilient engagement with the prongs so that the latter may be readily detached therefrom when desired.

As above Istated, the compressor is merely modified to disclose a type of latching means which may desirably be used in connection with the form of wire loop disclosed in the present invention. The base and prongs disclosed in Fig. 7 are the same as the corresponding members in the previously illustrated and described figures and the functions thereof are likewise the same.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 8 of the drawings, a still further modified form of compressor is disclosed, the compressor 4I being preferably formed of an elongated strip of sheet metal having an opening 42 at one end thereof for receiving the looped end of the prong II. Each end edge of the compressor is provided with notches 43 and 44 for receiving and maintaining in a spaced relation the wire of each of the prongs II and I2, The prong I2 is bent over and against the upper surface of the compressor 4I while the prong II, as above stated, extends through the opening 42 and thence below the compressor, the compressor being threaded onto the prong I I and the assembly thereof being bent over prior to the time at which the end of the prong I2 is bent over the other end of the compressor.

In order to maintain the end of the prong I2 in its position against the compressor, a finger 45 is preferably out and deformed from the material of the compressor, the end of the finger being bent slightly downwardly so as to provide an interlocking resilient engagement with the prong, the pro-ng being readily removable from its interlocking engagement with the finger.

While several embodiments of this invention i are herein shown and described, it is to be understood that various modifications thereof may be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and, therefore, the same is only to be limited by the scope of the prior art and appended claims.

I claim:

l. A paper fastener comprising a base, a prong for each end of said base, each of said prongs comprising a wire looped back upon itself in a spaced relation, the `looped end of each, of said prongs being adapted to be inserted through apertures in the paper to be fastened, means for securing the open ends of said prongs to said base, and other means on said base for maintaining the spaced relation of the wire of each of said prongs.

2. A paper fastener comprising a base, a prong for each end of said base, each of said prongs comprising a wire looped back upon itself in a spaced relation, the looped end of each of said prongs being adapted to be inserted through apertures in the paper to be fastened, means for securing the open ends of said prongs to saidy base, and spaced notches on said base for receiving spaced portions of the wire of each of said prongs and for maintaining the spaced relation thereof.

3. A paper fastener comprising a base having spaced openings one at each end, a prong for each end of said base, each of said prongs comprising a wire looped back upon itself in a spaced relation, the looped end of each of said prongs being adapted to be inserted through apertures in` the paper to be fastened, means for securing the open end of said prongs to said base, the ends of said base having spaced notches for receiving spaced portions of the wire of said prongs and for maintaining the spaced relation thereof, the looped ends of said prongs extending through said openings.

4. A paper fastener comprising an elongated base having spaced ears one at each end, a prong for each end of said base, each of said prongs comprising a wire looped back upon itself in a spaced relation, the looped end of said prong being adapted to be inserted through apertures in the paper to be fastened, said ears forming laterally extending pockets for receiving portions of said prongs adjacent the open ends thereof for attachment of said prongs to said base, and means on said base for maintaining the spaced relation of the wire of each of said prongs.

5. A paper fastener comprising a base having embossed portions at each end, an ear within each of said embossed portions, a prong for each end of said base, each of said prongs comprising a wire looped back upon itself in a spaced relation, the looped end of said prong being adapted to be inserted through apertures in the paper to be fastened, said ears forming laterally extending pockets for receiving portions of said prongs adjacent the open ends thereof for attachment of said prongs to said base, saidembossments preventing displacement of said prongs from said ears, and means on said base for maintaining the spaced relation of the wire of each of said prongs.

6. A paper fastener comprising a base having embossed portions at each end, an ear formed integrally on said base within the embossed portions, a prong for each end of said base, each of Said prongs comprising a wire looped back upon itself in a spaced relation, the looped end of said prong being adapted `to be inserted through apertures in the paper to be fastened, said ears forming laterally extending pockets for receiving bent portions of said prongs from each side thereof for attachment of said prongs to said base, the side walls of said embossments extending adjacent the portions of said prongs at the bent portions to prevent displacement of said prongs from said ears, and means on said base for maintaining the spaced relation of the wire of each of said prongs.

7. A paper fastener comprising a base having embossed portions adjacent each end thereof and an opening at one end of each embossment, an

saidl `ears bysaid` embossments, the looped; ends said.openingsi,and means on said base adjacent said openings for engaging and for maintaining the yspaced relationof the wireof each of said prongs.

8."` A paper fastener vcomprising an elongated ,base having longitudinally extending vembossed portions intermediate the width of the base adjacent each end thereof, each of said embossed portionshavingan openingat one end thereof, an ear formedintegrally onsaid base within each' embossment, a prong foreach'end of said base, each ofsaid prongs comprisingl a wire looped back'upon litself in a spaced relation, the looped 'end of said prong being adapted to be inserted through apertureskfin the paper to be fastened,

-.theopenends of- Ysaid-prongs being secured to said base` by said ears and being held from displacement from said ears by said embossments, the looped ends of said prongs extending from said ears through said openings, and notches on the end edges of said base into which said prongs are bent for. maintaining the spaced relation of the Wire of each of said prongs.

9. A paper fastener comprising an elongated base havingy an ear formed integrally withv said base one adjacent each end thereof and an opening adjacent each ear, a prong for each end of said base, each of said prongs comprising a wire looped back upon itself in a spaced relation, the looped end of said prong being adapted to be inserted through apertures -in the paper to be fastened, and notches on the end edges of said base, said ears forming laterally extending pockets for receiving bent portions of said prongs extending in a direction toward eachother, the looped ends of said prongsextending from said ears through said openings andbeing bent into engagement with said notches for maintaining the spaced relationof the wire of each of said prongs.

10. YA paper fastener comprising an elongated base having longitudinally extending embossed portions intermediateY the widthof the base yadjacent each` end thereof, each of said embossed portions having an opening at one end' thereof, an ear formed integrally on said base within each embossrnent, a prong for each end of said-base, each of said prongs comprising a wire looped back upon itself in arspaced relation, the looped end of said prong being adapted to be inserted through apertures in the paper'tofbeiasteneo, and notcheson the end edges of said-base, said ears forming laterally extending-pockets for-receiving bent portions of said prongs extending `inwardly in a direction toward each-other, said embossments holding said bent portions against displacement from said pockets,theY looped ends of said prongs extending from said ears through said openings and being bent vinto engagement vwith said notches for maintaining the spaced-relation of theuwire of each of said prongs.

11. A paper fastener comprising a-base, aprong for each end of said base, a compressor, each of said prongs comprising a wire looped back upon itself in a spaced relation, the looped end of each of said prongs being adapted to be inserted through apertures in the paper and then bent inwardly toward each other over said compressor, the open ends of said prongs being secured tofsaid base, and means on said base and said compressor for maintaining the spaced relation of-the wire of each of said prongs.

12. A paper fastener comprising a-base, a prong for each end of said Vbase, a compressoneach of lsaid prongs comprising a wirei loopedback upon itself; in a spaced. relation, :the looped-end "ofreach .fofffsaid prongs-being adapted. to vbe inserted ...yr.ough apertures;A in the .paper and then bent inwardly toward each other overv said compressor, the open ends ofsaid prongs being secured to saidbase, andl'spaced. notches on said base and on said compressor .forengaging and for maintaining the spaced relation of the wire of each of said prongs.

13. Avpaper fastener comprising a base having spaced openings one at each end,l a prong for each end of said base, a compressor, each of said prongs comprising a wire looped back upon itself in a spaced relation, thev looped end of each of said prongs being adapted to be inserted through apertures in the paper and then bent inwardly toward each other over said compressor, the open ends of said prongs beingsecured to said base, spaced notches` at the endsiiof saidlbase adjacent said openings, the loopedends of said prongs extending through .said openings, and means on said compressor co-,operatingwith said spaced notches for engaging and for'maintainin'g the spaced relation of the Wireof 'each of said prongs.

14. A paper'fastener comprising a base, a prong for each end ofzsaid base, and a compressor having spaced notches ateach end thereof, each of said prongs comprising a wire looped back upon itself in a spaced relation, the looped end of each* of said prongs being adapted to be inserted through apertures in the paper and then bent inwardly toward each other into said notches and over said compressor, the open ends of said prongs being secured to said base, the material` bounding the notches on said compressor maintaining the spaced 'relation' of the wire of each of said prongs.

15. A paper fastener comprising a base, a prong for eachV end of said base, afcornpressor having spaced notches at each endthereof, each of said prongs comprising a'wire looped back upon itself in a spaced relation, the looped end of each of said prongs being adapted to be inserted through apertures in the paper and then bent inwardly toward each other into said notches and over said compressor, the open ends of said prongs being secured to said base, and hook-shaped portions Von said compressor for detachably receiving the Abent 'over portions vof the prongs, the material bounding theY notches on said compressor maintaining the spaced relation of the wire of each of said prongs.

f 16. A paperfastener comprising a base, a prong for each end of said base, a compressor having substantially U-shapcd openings'one at each end, each of said prongs comprising a' Wire looped back upon itself in a'spaced relation, the looped end of each of saidprongsbeing adapted tov be inserted through apertures in the 1 paper and the U-shaped openings and then bent inwardly toward each other over said compressor, theV open ends of said prongs being secured to said base, and meanson` said compressor for holding said looped ends thereagainst, the material bounding the U-shaped openingson said compressor maintaining the spaced `relation ofthe wire of each of` said prongs.

17. A paper fastener comprising an elongated base, a prong for each end of said base, a compressor having substantially U-shaped openings one at each end and longitudinally extending guides along each side, each of said prongs comprising awire looped backupon itself in a spaced relation, .the looped endofeach of said prongs being adapted tb be inserted through apertures in the paper and the U-shaped openings and then bent inwardly toward each other over said compressor, latohing means slidable on. said guides the open ends of said prongs being secured to said base, and means on said prongs providing interlocking resilient engagement with said latch ing means when said latching means is moved over said prongs, the material bounding the U- shaped openings of said compressor maintaining the spaced relation of the Wire of each of said prongs.

18. A paper fastener Comprising an elongated base, a prong for each end of said base, a cornpressor, each of said prongs comprising a wire looped back upon itself in a spaced relation, the looped end of each of said prongs being adapted to be inserted through apertures in the paper and then bent inwardly toward each other over said compressor, the open ends of said prongs being secured to said base, and spaced notches on the end edges of each of said base and said compressor for engaging and for maintaining the spaced relation of the Wire of each of said prongs.

19. A paper fastener comprising a base, a prong for each end of said base, a compressor' having an opening at one end thereof and a hook-shaped member at the other end thereof, each of said prongs comprising a wire looped back upon itself in a spaced relation, the looped end of one of said prongs being adapted to be inserted through apertures in the paper and then through said opening and beneath said compressor, the looped end of the other of said prongs being adapted to be bent over said compressor inwardly toward the other of said prongs, the open ends of said prongs being secured to said base, and spaced notches on the end edges of each of said base and said compressor for receiving and for maintaining the spaced relation of the wire of each of said prongs.

20. A paper fastener comprising a base having an ear formed integrally with said base one adjacent each end thereof and an opening adjacent each ear, a prong for each end of said base, a compressor, each of said prongs comprising a Wire looped back upon itself in a spaced relation, the looped end of each of said prongs being adapted to be inserted through apertures in the paper and then bent inwardly toward each other over said compressor, said ears of said base forming laterally extending pockets for receiving portions of said prongs for securing said prongs to said base, the looped ends of said prongs ex tending from said ears through said openings of said base, and spaced notches en the end edges of each of said base and said compressor for receiving and for maintaining the spaced relation of the wire of each of said prongs.

CHESTER I. WAGNER. 

